Qualifications

Dulwich College (1977-1984)

St Peter’s College, Oxford (1985-1993)

MA in English and German (1989)

DPhil in English Literature (1993) – The Theatre Criticism of Harold Hobson

Professor Dominic Shellard joined De Montfort University (DMU) in June 2010 as vice-chancellor and chief executive. During his tenure DMU has embarked upon a focussed journey of improvement. In 2014, DMU climbed 32 places in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, moving from 86th to 54th. This is the highest league table position DMU has ever achieved, as well as being the biggest improvement of any university in the UK.

An expert on post-war British theatre, Dominic was educated at Dulwich College and at St Peter’s College, Oxford, beginning his academic career as a lecturer in English at the University of Salford. In 1996, he moved to the University of Sheffield, becoming Head of the School of English in 2005, and Pro Vice-Chancellor for External Affairs in 2008.

At DMU, Dominic has placed an emphasis on building creative strategic relationships with key industry and education partners in the UK and overseas, and promoting higher education and universities as a public good – this is encapsulated in DMU’s award-winning Square Mile community project, launched by Dominic in 2011, which won the 2014 Guardian University Award for Community Contribution as well as the Mahatma Gandhi International Award 2013, presented to organisations that make a “distinguished contribution” to the community.

Dominic’s focus on driving up quality and improving the student experience at DMU is reflected in the university’s £136 million campus redevelopment project, which is currently underway. When completed, the project will include an impressive new base for the Faculty of Art, Design and Humanities, the refurbishment of the historic Great Hall of Leicester Castle for the new Leicester Castle Business School, a Food Village for students and staff and a remodelled Campus Centre.